Troubleshooting an Unstable Internet Connection | Learn German in English

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Use Troubleshooting an Unstable Internet Connection to practice German conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Die Internetverbindung ist seit heute Morgen instabil.

dee in-ter-NET-fer-BIN-doong ist zait HOY-tuh MOR-gen in-shtah-BEEL. The internet connection has been unstable since this morning.

Mein Videoanruf beginnt bald.

mine VEE-deh-oh-an-ROOF beh-GINT bahlt. My video call starts soon.

Schau nach, ob gerade ein anderes Gerät zu viel Bandbreite nutzt.

show nahkh, ohp GAH-ray-duh ine AN-duh-res geh-REHT tsoo feel BAHNT-bry-tuh nootst. See if another device is using too much bandwidth right now.

Das Tablet lädt gerade Updates herunter, also könnte das erklären, warum alles langsam wirkt.

dahs tah-BLET layt geh-RAH-duh UP-dayts heh-ROON-tuh, AHL-zoh KURN-tuh dahs air-KLEH-ren, vah-ROOM AHL-les LAHNG-zahm virkt. The tablet is downloading updates, so that might explain why everything feels slow.

Pausiere das Update und starte dann den Router neu, wenn das Signal immer noch aussetzt.

pow-ZEE-ruh dahs UP-dayt oont SHTAR-tuh dahn dehn ROW-tuh noy, venn dahs zee-GNAHL IM-er nohkh OWSS-zetst. Pause the update, then restart the router if the signal still drops.

Ich habe außerdem den Hotspot meines Handys als Backup, obwohl er langsamer ist.

ikh HAH-buh OWS-er-DAYM dehn HOT-spoht MY-nus HEN-dees ahls BACK-up, ohp-VOHL air LAHNG-zah-mer ist. I also have my phone's hotspot as a backup, although it is slower.

Wenn der Hotspot während des Meetings instabil wird, schalte nur auf Audio um.

venn dair HOT-spoht VEH-rent dess MEE-tingz in-shtah-BEEL veert, SHAL-tuh noor owf OW-dee-oh oom. If the hotspot gets shaky during the meeting, switch to audio only.

Soll ich das Team warnen, bevor der Anruf beginnt?

zohl ikh dahs teem VAR-nen, beh-FOHR dair AHN-roof beh-GINT? Should I warn the team before the call begins?

Eine kurze Nachricht würde ihnen helfen zu verstehen, was gerade passiert.

EYE-nuh KOOR-tsuh NAHKH-rikht VUR-duh EE-nen HEL-fen tsoo fair-SHTAY-en, vahs geh-RAH-duh pah-SEE-ert. A short message would help them understand what is happening.

Ich kann sagen, dass ich vielleicht das Netzwerk wechsle, wenn der Anruf hängen bleibt.

ikh kahn ZAH-gen, dahs ikh fee-LIGHT dahs NETS-vairk VEKHS-luh, venn dair AHN-roof HENG-en blypt. I can say I may switch networks if the call freezes.

Das sollte verhindern, dass die Leute denken, du hättest den Anruf plötzlich verlassen.

dahs ZOHL-tuh fair-HIN-dern, dahs dee LOY-tuh DEN-ken, doo HET-est den AHN-roof PLOOTS-likh fair-LAHSS-en. That should keep people from thinking you suddenly left.

Word by Word

Die “Die” means “the” in “Die Internetverbindung” and refers to the specific internet connection. It is the definite article before “Internetverbindung”. The same form appears in “die Leute” later in the dialogue.

Internetverbindung “Internetverbindung” means “internet connection”, the connection that has been unstable. It is a compound noun combining internet and connection. The reusable phrase “Die Internetverbindung ist ...” describes the condition of an internet connection.

ist “Ist” means “is” in “Die Internetverbindung ist seit heute Morgen instabil.” It links the connection with the description “instabil”. The pattern “etwas ist ...” is used to describe a current state.

seit “Seit” means “since” and introduces the starting point “heute Morgen”. With a continuing situation such as “ist ... instabil”, it shows that the condition began then and continues now. The reusable pattern is “seit” plus a time expression.

heute “Heute” means “today” in the time expression “heute Morgen”. Together, “heute Morgen” means this morning. This expression is useful when identifying when something started or happened.

Morgen “Morgen” means “morning” in “heute Morgen”. It is capitalized because it is a noun. The phrase “heute Morgen” is used to refer to this morning.

instabil “Instabil” describes the internet connection as unstable or unreliable. In “Die Internetverbindung ist ... instabil”, it gives the connection’s current condition. It is useful when a connection or another system repeatedly fails to remain steady.

Mein “Mein” means “my” in “Mein Videoanruf”. It identifies the video call as belonging to or concerning the speaker. The pattern “Mein” plus a noun is used to talk about something connected with the speaker.

Videoanruf “Videoanruf” means “video call”, the call that is about to begin. It is the noun in “Mein Videoanruf beginnt bald.” You can use it when discussing a call that includes video.

beginnt “Beginnt” means “begins” in “Mein Videoanruf beginnt bald.” It describes the start of the video call. The pattern “etwas beginnt” is used to say that an event is starting.

bald “Bald” means “soon” in “beginnt bald”. It places the beginning of the video call in the near future. It is useful when an event will happen shortly.

Schau “Schau” means “look” or “check” here, as part of the request “Schau nach”. It is an informal instruction to the other person to investigate something. The phrase “Schau nach, ob ...” is useful when asking someone to check whether something is the case.

nach “Nach” contributes the checking meaning in the expression “Schau nach”. Together, “Schau nach” means check or find out; “nach” should not be understood as “after” here. The construction “nachschauen, ob ...” is used to check whether something is happening.

ob “Ob” means “whether” or “if” in “ob gerade ein anderes Gerät ... nutzt”. It introduces an indirect yes-or-no question about another device. The pattern “prüfen, ob ...” or “nachschauen, ob ...” is used for this kind of check.

gerade “Gerade” means “right now” in “ob gerade ein anderes Gerät ... nutzt”. It shows that the device’s activity is happening at the current moment. It is useful for asking about an action that is currently in progress.

ein “Ein” means “a” in “ein anderes Gerät”. It introduces one nonspecific device. The pattern “ein” plus a noun is used when the particular item has not been identified.

anderes “Anderes” means “another” or “different” in “ein anderes Gerät”. It distinguishes this device from the one already being discussed. The pattern “ein anderes” plus a noun is useful when referring to an additional or different item.

Gerät “Gerät” means “device” in “ein anderes Gerät”. It refers to equipment connected to the internet. The phrase “ein anderes Gerät” is useful when checking whether another piece of equipment is using a connection.

zu “Zu” means “too” in “zu viel Bandbreite”. It shows that the amount of bandwidth is excessive. The pattern “zu viel” plus an uncountable amount is used for more than is suitable or wanted.

viel “Viel” means “much” or “a lot” in “zu viel Bandbreite”. With “zu”, the phrase means too much bandwidth. This pattern is used with an amount or an uncountable thing.

Bandbreite “Bandbreite” means “bandwidth”, the network capacity being used by the device. In “zu viel Bandbreite nutzt”, it is the resource consumed by the other device. It is useful when discussing how much capacity an internet activity requires.

nutzt “Nutzt” means “uses” in “ein anderes Gerät ... Bandbreite nutzt”. It says that the device is consuming bandwidth. The pattern “ein Gerät nutzt ...” is used to describe what a device is using.

Das “Das” means “the” in “Das Tablet”. It introduces the specific tablet that is downloading updates. Here it is the definite article before the noun “Tablet”.

Tablet “Tablet” means “tablet”, the device downloading updates. It is the subject of “Das Tablet lädt gerade Updates herunter.” The phrase “Das Tablet lädt ... herunter” is useful for describing a tablet downloading something.

lädt “Lädt” means “downloads” in the expression “lädt gerade Updates herunter”. It is used with the separated particle “herunter” to express downloading. The reusable pattern is “etwas lädt ... herunter” for a device downloading something.

Updates “Updates” means “updates”, the software updates being downloaded by the tablet. It is the object of “lädt ... herunter”. The phrase “Updates herunterladen” is useful when discussing software maintenance.

herunter “Herunter” completes the separable expression “lädt ... herunter”, meaning downloads. It appears at the end of the clause while the finite verb “lädt” stays near the beginning. The pattern “etwas herunterladen” is used for downloading a file or update.

also “Also” means “so” or “therefore” in “also könnte das erklären ...”. It connects the tablet’s downloading activity with the possible explanation for the slow performance. It is useful when drawing a conclusion from the preceding information.

könnte “Könnte” means “might” or “could” in “könnte das erklären”. It presents the explanation as possible rather than certain. The pattern “Das könnte ...” is useful when suggesting a possible cause.

erklären “Erklären” means “explain” in “könnte das erklären”. The subject “das” refers to the downloading activity as a possible explanation. After “könnte”, the verb remains in the infinitive, as in “könnte ... erklären”.

warum “Warum” means “why” in “warum alles langsam wirkt”. It introduces the reason being explained. The pattern “erklären, warum ...” is useful when giving the cause of a situation.

alles “Alles” means “everything” in “warum alles langsam wirkt”. It refers broadly to all the relevant internet activity or responses. It is useful when a general situation is being described rather than one specific item.

langsam “Langsam” means “slow” in “alles langsam wirkt”. It describes how everything appears to respond. The pattern “etwas wirkt langsam” is useful for describing slow performance.

wirkt “Wirkt” means “seems” or “appears” in “alles langsam wirkt”. It describes how the situation feels or appears, without stating that every part is definitely slow. The pattern “etwas wirkt ...” is useful for reporting an impression.

Update “Update” means “update” in “Pausiere das Update”. It refers to the specific update currently being downloaded. The pattern “ein Update pausieren” is useful when temporarily stopping an update.

und “Und” means “and” in “Pausiere das Update und starte dann den Router neu”. It links two instructions in sequence. It is useful for connecting related actions.

starte “Starte” means “restart” in “starte dann den Router neu”. Together with “neu”, it forms the instruction to restart the router. The pattern “Starte ... neu” is used as an informal instruction to restart something.

dann “Dann” means “then” in “starte dann den Router neu”. It places the restart after the instruction to pause the update. It is useful for showing the next step in a sequence.

den “Den” means “the” in “den Router”. It introduces the specific router that should be restarted. Here it is the article used with the masculine object of the instruction.

Router “Router” means “router”, the network device that should be restarted. It appears in “starte dann den Router neu”. This word is useful when giving troubleshooting instructions for a home network.

neu “Neu” contributes the meaning “again” or “anew” in “starte ... neu”. Together, “starte ... neu” means restart rather than simply start for the first time. This separable pattern is commonly used for restarting a device.

wenn “Wenn” means “if” in “wenn das Signal immer noch aussetzt”. It introduces the condition under which the router should be restarted. The pattern “wenn ...” is useful for describing an action that depends on a condition.

Signal “Signal” means “signal” in “das Signal ... aussetzt”. It refers to the network signal that may cut out. The phrase “das Signal setzt aus” is useful when describing an intermittent connection.

immer “Immer” contributes to the expression “immer noch”, meaning “still”. In this dialogue it emphasizes that the problem continues. The pattern “immer noch” is used for a situation that has not changed.

noch “Noch” contributes to “immer noch”, which means “still” in “wenn das Signal immer noch aussetzt”. It shows that the signal continues to cut out after the earlier troubleshooting step. The expression “immer noch” is useful for ongoing problems.

aussetzt “Aussetzt” means “cuts out” or “drops” in “das Signal ... aussetzt”. It describes the signal stopping temporarily rather than remaining continuously absent. The pattern “das Signal setzt aus” is useful when reporting an intermittent connection.

Ich “Ich” means “I” in “Ich habe außerdem ...”. It identifies the speaker as the person who has the backup hotspot. The same pronoun appears again in “Ich kann sagen ...”.

habe “Habe” means “have” in “Ich habe außerdem den Hotspot ...”. It states that the speaker has access to a hotspot as a backup. The pattern “Ich habe ... als Backup” is useful when describing an available alternative.

außerdem “Außerdem” means “also” or “in addition” in “Ich habe außerdem ...”. It adds the hotspot to the options already being discussed. It is useful when adding another relevant fact or solution.

Hotspot “Hotspot” means “hotspot”, the phone-based internet connection available as a backup. It is the object of “Ich habe ...”. The phrase “einen Hotspot als Backup” is useful when discussing an alternative internet connection.

meines “Meines” means “of my” in “meines Handys”. It shows that the hotspot belongs to the speaker’s phone. The pattern “der Hotspot meines Handys” identifies a hotspot provided by the speaker’s phone.

Handys “Handys” means “phone” in the possessive expression “meines Handys”, meaning “of my phone”. The ending shows that the phone is the thing the hotspot belongs to. This expression is useful when identifying which phone provides a hotspot.

als “Als” means “as” in “als Backup”. It describes the role of the hotspot: it is being kept as a backup option. The pattern “etwas als Backup haben” is useful for naming an alternative kept ready for use.

Backup “Backup” means “backup” in “als Backup”. It refers to the alternative connection to use if the main connection fails. This word is useful when preparing a fallback option.

obwohl “Obwohl” means “although” in “obwohl er langsamer ist”. It introduces a limitation that contrasts with the hotspot’s usefulness as a backup. The pattern “obwohl ...” is used to acknowledge a fact that does not change the main point.

er “Er” refers to the hotspot in “obwohl er langsamer ist”. Here it means “it”, referring back to the masculine noun “Hotspot”, not a male person. Pronouns such as “er” can refer back to a previously mentioned noun.

langsamer “Langsamer” means “slower” in “obwohl er langsamer ist”. It compares the hotspot with the main internet connection already under discussion. It is useful when describing a backup option that works less quickly.

der “Der” means “the” in “der Hotspot”. It introduces the specific hotspot that may become unstable during the meeting. Here it is the article before the masculine noun “Hotspot”.

während “Während” means “during” in “während des Meetings”. It identifies the period when the hotspot might become unstable. The pattern “während” plus an event is useful for describing what happens during a meeting or activity.

des “Des” means “the” in “des Meetings”. Together with “während”, it forms “während des Meetings”, meaning during the meeting. It is the article used in this time expression before “Meetings”.

Meetings “Meetings” means “meeting” in “während des Meetings”. The full phrase identifies the time when the hotspot may become unstable. It is useful when discussing problems that occur during a work meeting.

wird “Wird” means “becomes” or “gets” in “der Hotspot ... instabil wird”. It describes a change into an unstable condition. The pattern “etwas wird ...” is used when something develops a new state.

schalte “Schalte” means “switch” in “schalte nur auf Audio um”. Together with “um”, it gives the instruction to switch over. The pattern “Schalte ... um” is useful when telling someone to change from one option to another.

nur “Nur” means “only” in “nur auf Audio”. It limits the new mode to audio and excludes video. It is useful for specifying a restricted option or solution.

auf “Auf” means “to” in “auf Audio”. Together with “schalte ... um”, it identifies the mode to which the speaker should switch. The pattern “auf ... umschalten” is useful for changing to a different setting or channel.

Audio “Audio” means “audio” in “nur auf Audio um”. It identifies the mode that should remain active when the video connection is unreliable. The phrase “auf Audio umschalten” is useful for continuing a call without video.

um “Um” completes the separable expression “schalte ... um”, meaning switch over. It appears at the end of the clause because the verb is separated in this instruction. The pattern “auf etwas umschalten” is used when changing to another mode.

Soll “Soll” means “should” in the question “Soll ich das Team warnen?”. It asks whether warning the team is advisable. The pattern “Soll ich ...?” is useful when asking for advice about an action.

Team “Team” means “team”, the group that may need to be warned before the call. It is the object of “das Team warnen”. The phrase “das Team warnen” is useful when informing a group about a possible problem.

warnen “Warnen” means “warn” in “das Team warnen”. It refers to informing the team in advance about a possible connection problem. The pattern “jemanden warnen” is used when alerting a person or group to a risk.

bevor “Bevor” means “before” in “bevor der Anruf beginnt”. It introduces an event that should happen before the call starts. The pattern “bevor ...” is useful for setting the timing of an action.

Anruf “Anruf” means “call” in “bevor der Anruf beginnt”. It refers to the upcoming call, in contrast to the earlier noun “Videoanruf”. The phrase “der Anruf beginnt” is useful when talking about the start of a call.

Eine “Eine” means “a” in “Eine kurze Nachricht”. It introduces one nonspecific short message. The pattern “eine” plus a noun is used when suggesting one possible item.

kurze “Kurze” means “short” in “Eine kurze Nachricht”. It describes the message as brief. The pattern “eine kurze Nachricht” is useful when recommending a concise written notice.

Nachricht “Nachricht” means “message”, the short notice that could explain the situation to the team. It is the subject of “Eine kurze Nachricht würde ... helfen”. The phrase “eine Nachricht schicken” is a common way to discuss sending a message.

würde “Würde” means “would” in “Eine kurze Nachricht würde ihnen helfen”. It presents the expected benefit of sending a short message in a polite or conditional way. The pattern “etwas würde jemandem helfen” is useful for describing a helpful possible action.

ihnen “Ihnen” means “to them” in “würde ihnen helfen”. It refers to the people on the team who would benefit from understanding the situation. The pattern “jemandem helfen” takes the person helped in this form.

helfen “Helfen” means “help” in “würde ihnen helfen zu verstehen”. It describes the message’s benefit for the team. The construction “jemandem helfen, etwas zu verstehen” is useful when an action supports someone’s understanding.

verstehen “Verstehen” means “understand” in “ihnen helfen zu verstehen”. It refers to the team understanding the current situation. The pattern “helfen, etwas zu verstehen” is useful when explaining the purpose of information.

was “Was” means “what” in “was gerade passiert”. It introduces the thing the team should understand. The pattern “verstehen, was ... passiert” is useful when referring to an unfolding situation.

passiert “Passiert” means “is happening” in “was gerade passiert”. It describes the current connection problem and its effects. The pattern “was passiert” is useful when asking or explaining what is going on.

kann “Kann” means “can” in “Ich kann sagen ...”. It expresses that the speaker is able or willing to say something. The pattern “Ich kann sagen, dass ...” is useful for explaining what information someone can communicate.

sagen “Sagen” means “say” in “Ich kann sagen, dass ...”. It introduces the information the speaker plans to communicate to the team. The pattern “sagen, dass ...” is used to report a statement.

dass “Dass” means “that” in “sagen, dass ich vielleicht ... wechsle”. It introduces the content of what the speaker can say. The pattern “sagen, dass ...” is useful for reporting information or a planned action.

vielleicht “Vielleicht” means “perhaps” or “maybe” in “vielleicht das Netzwerk wechsle”. It makes the network switch uncertain or conditional rather than definite. It is useful when communicating a possible future action.

Netzwerk “Netzwerk” means “network” in “das Netzwerk wechsle”. It refers to the connection the speaker may change during the call. The phrase “das Netzwerk wechseln” is useful when moving from one network to another.

wechsle “Wechsle” means “switch” or “change” in “ich vielleicht das Netzwerk wechsle”. It describes the speaker changing to another network if the call freezes. The pattern “das Netzwerk wechseln” is useful when changing the connection used by a device.

hängen “Hängen” contributes the meaning “freeze” in “der Anruf hängen bleibt”. Together with “bleibt”, the expression says that the call gets stuck. The pattern “etwas bleibt hängen” is useful for describing a call, video, or program that stops responding.

bleibt “Bleibt” contributes the meaning “stays” or “remains” in “der Anruf hängen bleibt”. Together, “hängen bleibt” means the call freezes or gets stuck. This expression is useful when a digital call or process stops progressing.

sollte “Sollte” means “should” in “Das sollte verhindern ...”. It expresses an expected result: the message should stop people from misunderstanding the situation. The pattern “Das sollte ...” is useful when predicting the likely effect of an action.

verhindern “Verhindern” means “prevent” in “Das sollte verhindern, dass ...”. It describes stopping an unwanted misunderstanding before it happens. The pattern “verhindern, dass ...” is used when one action is intended to stop another event.

Leute “Leute” means “people” in “die Leute denken”. It refers to the members of the team or other participants in the call. The phrase “die Leute denken, dass ...” is useful when discussing what people may believe.

denken “Denken” means “think” in “die Leute denken”. It refers to the team’s possible interpretation of the speaker’s disappearance. The pattern “jemand denkt, dass ...” is used to report someone’s belief or assumption.

du “Du” means “you” in “du hättest den Anruf ... verlassen”. It addresses the person whose actions the team might misunderstand. This informal pronoun is used between people who address each other with “du”.

hättest “Hättest” contributes the meaning “would have” in “du hättest den Anruf ... verlassen”. Together with “verlassen”, it presents a possible mistaken belief about something already happening. The pattern “jemand könnte denken, du hättest ...” is useful for describing a possible misunderstanding.

plötzlich “Plötzlich” means “suddenly” in “den Anruf plötzlich verlassen”. It describes the imagined departure as unexpected and without warning. It is useful when explaining that an action may appear to happen abruptly.

verlassen “Verlassen” means “leave” in “den Anruf ... verlassen”, where it refers to leaving the call. In “du hättest ... verlassen”, the form is used with “hättest” to describe a possible completed action. The phrase “einen Anruf verlassen” is useful when saying that someone left a call.

Grammar Points

obwohl + Nebensatz: Das konjugierte Verb steht am Ende.

Obwohl das Signal plötzlich aussetzt, wechseln wir das Netzwerk.

ohp-VOHL dahs zee-GNAHL PLOOTS-likh OWSS-zetst, VEKH-seln veer dahs NETS-vairk.

Although the signal suddenly cuts out, we switch the network.

Nach „obwohl“ steht das konjugierte Verb am Ende des Nebensatzes.

Trennbare Verben: Der Präfix steht am Satzende.

Der Router startet neu.

dair ROW-tuh SHTAR-tet noy.

The router restarts.

Bei „neu starten“ steht „neu“ im Hauptsatz am Ende: „startet ... neu“.

German Vocabulary

bald adv

bahlt soon

Bandbreite noun

BAHNT-bry-tuh bandwidth

beginnen verb

beh-GIN-en to begin beginnt

gerade adv

geh-RAH-duh right now

Gerät noun

geh-REHT device

heute Morgen phrase

HOY-tuh MOR-gen this morning

instabil adj

in-shtah-BEEL unstable

Internetverbindung noun

in-ter-NET-fer-BIN-doong internet connection Die Internetverbindung

nachschauen verb

NAHKH-show-en to check Schau nach

nutzen verb

NOOT-sen to use nutzt

seit prep

zait since

Videoanruf noun

VEE-deh-oh-an-ROOF video call

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

My video call starts soon.

Show Answer

Mein Videoanruf beginnt bald.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

unstable

Show Answer

instabil

since

Show Answer

seit

to begin

Show Answer

beginnt

device

Show Answer

Gerät